Longoria could be an alternative trade option if the Cardinals fail to land Stanton, according to Goold, with the Rays reportedly trying to trim payroll this season. The 32-year-old is owed $13.5 million this coming season and still has $81 million left on his contract which includes a 2023 team option for $13 million.

St. Louis used a rotation of players at third base last season, with Jedd Gyorko getting most of the reps - 109 games at third - but he's more of a natural second baseman. Longoria, on the other hand, is a three-time Gold Glove winner and would bring a career .823 OPS to the table.

The Cardinals finished third in the National League Central last season with 83 wins, their lowest total since winning 78 games in 2007.